Refinished Hardware

[JT48348]

Anyone have any experience clear coating refinished hardware with a polyurethane or something to hold back the oxidation.

I've done several old boats and always wire wheeled the old hardware down to a workman like finish. Depending on the piece it could be chrome plated brass or even old bronze. I like the brushed look and don't mind the mismatching of metal finishes as long as the underlying metal is of good quality.

Over time brass will dull and bronze with go a nice brown before things get green when water and age take their toll.

I'm considering for the first time shooting the hardware with a clear coat. Maybe a rattle can poly with UV resistance. But I wonder how it will age and if it will just get nasty and probity another wheel cleaning.

Advice appreciated.

[JT48348]

Love fittings that look crafted on my boat. As long as it's clean and smooth.

Idk about clear coating cleats as the rope work will just chafe it away and may turn black. But on fittings like the spotlight housing where there's no chafe seems light it might work

[Beta Don]

Your cleaned up bronze bits look fine to me - As they age they will get a nice patina . . . . much better than pitted green chrome

When I have to replace the 'chrome plated Zamak' (pot metal) cheap stuff that came on the boat, I've been going with stainless bits from Marine Part Depot

http://secure.campaigner.com/Campaigner ... 13i44&_v=2

I've probably spent $300 to $400 on hinges, cleats and other fittings on this restoration - I think I've replaced every exterior hinge on the boat with stainless ones from him - Best prices I've found anywhere

Don

[JT48348]

Those are some good prices. Good find.
How do you find the quality?

[Beta Don]

I'm 99.9% sure everything he sells is sourced from China, but the quality is excellent - Never been disappointed in anything I've bought from him. Once you're on his mailing list, you'll get e-mails every month or so with a new code for 20% off everything in the store with free shipping to boot

Don